The congressman cites New Mexico cases, including a Las Cruces shooting that killed three teens, in a call for stronger online safeguards.

Organ Mountain News report

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez is calling on the nation’s largest social media companies to curb illegal gun sales and better protect children from online threats.

In a Sept. 17 letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel and Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, the New Mexico Democrat urged the platforms to go beyond compliance with federal law and take stronger steps against bullying, harassment and firearms transactions involving minors or other prohibited buyers.

“Our communities cannot wait any longer,” Vasquez said. “In New Mexico, we’ve seen the devastating consequences of what happens when children access illegal firearms online. No family should have to suffer the heartbreak of losing a child to preventable violence. Social media companies have a responsibility to do their part to keep kids safe by stopping illegal gun sales, stopping online bullying, and protecting our communities.”

Vasquez cited conversations with state and local law enforcement, who reported that firearms sold through social media have contributed to youth violence. In March, three Las Cruces teenagers were killed in a mass shooting. Four suspects were charged, including three minors, and evidence suggests the weapons were being trafficked illegally online.

The letter asks the companies to detail how they will:

• Prevent the sale of stolen firearms
• Block minors from purchasing guns on their platforms
• Improve detection and reporting of bullying and violent threats
• Strengthen partnerships with law enforcement at every level

Vasquez also pointed to his work on public safety in Congress, including the bipartisan No More Narcos Act, which targets cartel recruitment of students, and the bipartisan Stop COYOTES Act, which aims to curb human trafficking and drug smuggling.